Subject: Daniel – Mating Large Milkweed Bugs?
Location: Hawthorne, California
November 2, 2012 3:44 pm
Hello,
I was enjoying all of the different creatures on the Mexican Milkweed today and took these photos of what I assumed are Large Milkweed bugs. When I got them onto the computer and compared them to other photos, they don’t look quite the same.
Hoping you can confirm my sighting or let me know what they actually may be!
Signature: Thanks, Anna Carreon
Hi Anna,
What a beautiful photo of mating Small Milkweed Bugs, Lygaeus kalmii . Large Milkweed Bugs are about 30% larger, in our observations. See BugGuide for more information on the Small Milkweed Bug.
Would it be possible to provide me with an online, extension type source that confirms that the…
“Adults (small milkweed bugs) suck nectar from flowers of various herbaceous plants, and also feed on milkweed seeds(?). Also reported to be scavengers and predators, especially in spring when milkweed seeds are scarce. They have been reported feeding on honey bees, monarch caterpillars and pupae, and dogbane beetles, among others.” I need a research based source> Your help is appreciated!